Complete Explanation:Jefferson Davis's diplomatic overtures to France and Great Britain fail in an imaginary scene at court. Davis (right) bows before French ruler Napoleon III, extending toward him a tray of "bonds." Davis holds a plate of cotton and, under his arm, a batch of papers. His pockets overflow with more papers labeled "Ordinance of Secession," "Davis," etc. At his feet are a broad-brimmed hat and a satchel with more bonds, and behind him is a small dog named "Sech" (secession) on its hind legs, begging.

Napoleon (left) turns away from him with a gesture of refusal, saying, "Not any we thank you, Mr. Davis." Next to him is a table on which lie a crown, inkwell, and "Proclamation." In the background stands British Queen Victoria, who displays another proclamation (probably Victoria's May 13, 1861, proclamation of neutrality). The print was obviously drawn by the same artist as "Strayed" and "Volunteering Down Dixie" (nos. 1861-31 and 1861-33).